Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Squares
Highlighted under: Home Baking Inspiration
I absolutely love starting my day with a nutritious breakfast, and these Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Squares have quickly become my go-to. Made with ripe bananas and creamy yogurt, they are both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Plus, the cinnamon adds a warming spice that makes every bite feel comforting. They're not only easy to whip up but also perfect for meal prep, so I can grab a square on my busy mornings. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want them as part of your breakfast routine too!
During one of my busy mornings, I was in search of a quick breakfast option that also packed a punch of flavor and nutrients. I experimented with different ingredients, and the combination of bananas and yogurt turned out to be a game-changer. Adding oats made the squares hearty, while cinnamon provided that cozy touch. Ever since, these breakfast squares have been my secret weapon for early starts.
The method behind baking these squares allows the flavors to meld beautifully, and you can even customize them by adding your favorite nuts or seeds for an extra crunch. With a simple bake time of 30 minutes, you can whip up enough squares to last all week!
Why You'll Love These Squares
- Deliciously moist with a great balance of sweet and spice
- Nutritious ingredients for a filling breakfast
- Easily customizable with your favorite toppings
The Role of Bananas
Ripe bananas are the star ingredient of these breakfast squares, providing natural sweetness and moisture. They contain pectin, which helps bind the ingredients together, yielding a tender texture. If you find your bananas nearing overripeness, that's actually perfect for this recipe, as their sugars will caramelize slightly and enhance the flavor. For an extra banana kick, consider adding sliced bananas on top before baking, which can turn caramelized and add a delightful contrast in flavor.
For a twist, if you're out of bananas or need a substitute due to allergies, unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch. Use a 1/2 cup of applesauce for each banana replaced—just remember this may create a slightly different flavor but still allows for a moist, delicious result in the finished squares.
Customizing Your Squares
One of the best aspects of these Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Squares is how easily they can be customized. You can experiment with different nuts or seeds to find the perfect crunch. I love adding pecans or walnuts, but feel free to use sunflower seeds for a nut-free version. If you want a hint of chocolate, folding in some dark chocolate chips can create a delightful contrast to the cinnamon flavor.
Toppings are another great way to personalize your squares. Consider drizzling honey or maple syrup over the top after baking for added sweetness, or even a sprinkle of chia seeds for a healthy boost. Fresh berries can also be wonderful when served alongside the squares for a refreshing touch that complements the warming cinnamon.
Ingredients
For the Breakfast Squares
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Mix everything until well combined and pour into a greased baking dish.
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey, and almond flour until smooth. Then, add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Bake
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Cool and Cut
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Enjoy your breakfast squares fresh or store them in an airtight container for up to one week!
Pro Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruits into the batter before baking. This way, every bite can be a delightful surprise.
Storage Tips
These breakfast squares can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, making them great for meal prep. For longer storage, consider freezing them. Cut the squares into portions and wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, simply microwave for 30-60 seconds or enjoy them cold.
If you notice the squares get a bit dry in the fridge, I recommend warming them slightly in the microwave or toasting them in the oven for a few minutes before serving. This brings back moisture and enhances the flavors, making for a satisfying breakfast on busy mornings.
Scaling the Recipe
If you want to make more than an 8x8 inch batch, scaling this recipe is straightforward. For a 9x13 inch pan, simply double the ingredients. Keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take an additional 5-10 minutes to ensure that a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Just remember to check for the golden-brown edges as a visual cue for doneness, as baking times can vary slightly based on your oven.
Conversely, if you're making a smaller batch for a quick snack, you can halve the recipe and bake in a smaller dish. A 4x4 inch dish works well for this purpose. Adjust the baking time accordingly, checking for doneness after about 20-25 minutes.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use other fruits instead of bananas?
Yes, you can substitute applesauce or even pumpkin puree for a different flavor profile.
→ How do I store the squares?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.
→ Can I freeze these breakfast squares?
Absolutely! Wrap them individually and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before eating.
→ What can I serve with these squares?
They pair wonderfully with a dollop of yogurt, fresh fruit, or a drizzle of nut butter for added flavor!
Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Squares
I absolutely love starting my day with a nutritious breakfast, and these Cinnamon Banana Yogurt Breakfast Squares have quickly become my go-to. Made with ripe bananas and creamy yogurt, they are both satisfying and bursting with flavor. Plus, the cinnamon adds a warming spice that makes every bite feel comforting. They're not only easy to whip up but also perfect for meal prep, so I can grab a square on my busy mornings. Trust me, once you try these, you'll want them as part of your breakfast routine too!
Created by: Rebecca Turner
Recipe Type: Home Baking Inspiration
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 9 squares
What You'll Need
For the Breakfast Squares
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1 cup plain yogurt
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the mashed bananas, yogurt, honey, and almond flour until smooth. Then, add the oats, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt, mixing until fully incorporated. If using nuts, fold them in at this stage.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top. Bake for 30 minutes or until the edges are golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Allow the squares to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting into squares.
Extra Tips
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a handful of chocolate chips or dried fruits into the batter before baking. This way, every bite can be a delightful surprise.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Total Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
- Sodium: 50mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 30g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 5g